Really disappointed.

Member

I use Windows Media Centre on a 50 inch plasma in my living room. Win7 isn't geared up for it as there's no GUI for viewing from a distance. I set my text size to 200% and that just about does it.

Anyway, after installing Win8, I was pretty pissed off to find Metro was small, with small text and no means (that I could find) to make it larger. So much for Microsoft wanting us all to have WMC in our living room.

ATI Catalyst 12.1 doesnt work in 8, so not much use to me. Didn't get time to work out just how difficult it is to navigate. The few minutes I spent with 8, we're not a nice experience.

Then click on the Settings icon, then click on "More PC Settings" lower right' after that click on "Ease Of Access" tab then switch on the "Make Everything On Your Screen Bigger" using the small slider switch.

Huh? Media Center has always had the "10 foot interface". It was the foundation of its design.

Anyway, after installing Win8, I was pretty pissed off to find Metro was small, with small text and no means (that I could find) to make it larger. So much for Microsoft wanting us all to have WMC in our living room.

My Computer

Member

I use Media Centre, but I also use it as a PC for stuff like iPlayer and YouTube etc and was hoping that Metro would be viewable from a distance because it could add another level of usefulness to the HTPC. I'll try the tip from chev65 although I already had text set to 200%.

My Computer

Banned

I think you keep saying that you use Media Centre as a PC, you mean use Metro as a PC, and use Media Centre. I dont think we can expect Metro to be all things to all people, although it would be nice. I use it on a 42" TV and I do have to get a bit closer to read the text.
That said, I'm glad they kept media centre, its great from a distance, its absolutely terrific for music, and not bad for Movies as well. Have you ever tried XBMC, its pretty good as well. Let us know how you get on with the text.

My Computer

Member

I use Media Centre, but I also use it as a PC for stuff like iPlayer and YouTube etc and was hoping that Metro would be viewable from a distance because it could add another level of usefulness to the HTPC. I'll try the tip from chev65 although I already had text set to 200%.

You should be looking for plugins for things like Youtube and iPlayer so that you can use them inside your media application that has the 10' interface. I don't know if they're available for Media Center, but they appear to be available for XBMC. I use Media Center only for cable TV, while I use XBMC for all other video. XBMC is an excellent program that unlike Media Center is being actively developed.

My Computer

Banned

I'm a media centre fan as well, I especially love it for music, I'm glad you've sorted out your problems with the text. Like I said though give XBMC a go as well its updated all the time and can now play some Blu Ray files.

My Computer

Banned

I've never really tried to use the PVR side of it, but I'll take your word on it. My wife watches TV endlessly at night while I'm on the internet, so I've actually got 2 dedicated PVRs and cable, she can record up to about 5 shows at once, keeps her happy.

The way XBMC is going it probably wont be long before you can use PVR functions.